I have a secret to tell you: Greek food is not hard to make.
As someone who has cooked & tried these recipes, I can tell you there’s something magical about Greek food.
It’s not just about the taste but the experience, the memories, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
Join me as we explore 40 traditional Greek recipes, each with its unique charm and flavor.
From moussaka to spanakopita to souvlaki, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s dive in!
1. Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that is packed with flavor and tradition.
It’s one of my go-to comfort foods on a cold night.
The combination of tender eggplant, potatoes, and meat sauce topped with béchamel sauce and baked to golden perfection is delicious.
Not only that, but the eggplant is packed with fiber and antioxidants, and the meat sauce offers plenty of protein
2. Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food, featuring marinated pork or chicken skewers grilled to perfection.
The meat is typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, giving it a zesty and aromatic flavor.
Served with pita bread and tzatziki, this dish is a balanced source of protein and healthy fats.
It’s a favorite for summer barbecues, evoking memories of seaside vacations.
3. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a delightful spinach and feta pie encased in layers of flaky phyllo dough.
The filling is made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, creating a savory and nutritious dish.
Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins, while feta adds a tangy flavor.
I enjoy making this pie for brunch or as an appetizer.
4. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip, flavored with garlic, dill, and a hint of lemon.
It’s incredibly versatile, perfect as a dip, sauce, or salad dressing.
I often make tzatziki as a healthy snack, its cool and creamy texture is a perfect counterpoint to spicy dishes.
5. Dolmades
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
They’re typically served cold with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Grape leaves are rich in fiber and vitamins, making this dish both healthy and delicious.
Rolling the leaves takes some practice, but it’s a meditative process that reminds me of cooking with my grandmother.
6. Greek Salad
Greek salad is one of my all-time favorite meals.
It’s a vibrant, fresh dish that always reminds me of sunny Mediterranean days.
The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese is perfect.
Add some olive oil and oregano, and it’s like being on vacation.
It’s the perfect light lunch or side dish, and the fresh vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
7. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.
The combination of crispy pastry and sticky, sweet filling is irresistible.
Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, making this a somewhat indulgent but nutritious treat.
I love making baklava during holidays, its rich aroma and golden layers a festive delight.
8. Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono is a comforting soup made with chicken broth, rice, or orzo, and thickened with eggs and lemon juice.
The result is a creamy, tangy soup that’s perfect for cold days.
The broth provides protein, while the lemon adds a burst of vitamin C.
9. Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for dinner parties because it’s so delicious and looks very impressive.
The presentation is rustic, but the flavors are elegant.
The lamb is marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, then wrapped in parchment paper and baked until very tender.
The lamb becomes incredibly flavorful and juicy, while the herbs and lemon add freshness.
It’s a good source of protein and iron, too.
10. Saganaki
I love making saganaki because it’s easy and gets people together.
I mean, who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
The cheese is usually graviera or kefalotyri, and we pan-fry it until it’s crispy on the outside and melty on the inside.
A squeeze of lemon and some warm pita bread for dipping are the perfect touch.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious, because cheese has calcium and protein.
11. Briam
Briam is a vegetarian dish that’s similar to ratatouille.
It’s made with layers of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, all seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
It’s a hearty and healthy dish, packed with vitamins and fiber.
The vegetables meld together in the oven, their flavors intensifying and the top becoming beautifully caramelized.
12. Fava
Fava is a creamy yellow split pea dip, often topped with olive oil, onions, and capers.
It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, high in protein and fiber.
The peas are cooked until tender, then pureed into a smooth dip.
I enjoy serving fava with warm pita bread, its rich and earthy flavor always a hit at parties.
13. Stifado
If you’re looking for some good, hot comfort food on a cold winter night, try Greek stifado.
It’s a stew made with beef or rabbit, onions, tomatoes, and red wine.
You throw everything in a pot and cook it low and slow until the meat falls off the bone and the flavors blend into this rich, yummy sauce.
The onions get caramelized, which makes the sauce a little sweet, and the red wine gives it a deep, satisfying flavor.
It’s also a hearty, healthy meal, thanks to the protein and iron from the beef.
14. Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a Greek pasta bake, similar to lasagna, with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
The pasta is often tubular, like penne or ziti, and the meat sauce is rich and flavorful.
It’s topped with a thick layer of creamy béchamel, then baked until golden.
This dish is high in protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
15. Kolokithokeftedes
These kolokithokeftedes, or zucchini fritters, are the perfect summer snack.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of fresh flavor.
I love making them when zucchini is in season because the fritters are a delicious way to celebrate the harvest.
Plus, zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins and fiber, so you can indulge without the guilt.
16. Youvetsi
Youvetsi is a baked lamb and orzo dish, cooked in a rich tomato sauce with cinnamon and other spices.
The orzo absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful.
It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, its aroma filling the house with warmth and anticipation.
17. Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata is a smoky eggplant dip, similar to baba ganoush.
It is made with roasted eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
This dip is healthy and delicious because eggplant is rich in fiber and antioxidants.
To make melitzanosalata, you must roast an eggplant until it becomes tender.
Then, blend the roasted eggplant with the other ingredients until the mixture is smooth.
Serve it with bread or vegetables for dipping.
18. Giouvetsi
If you’re in the mood for a cozy family meal, giouvetsi is a great choice.
It’s a Greek dish made with tender beef baked in a flavorful sauce with spices and orzo.
The meat is a great source of protein and iron, while the orzo soaks up all the delicious sauce.
It’s a hearty dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
19. Loukoumades
I love to make loukoumades, which are traditional Greek donuts.
These sweet treats are deep-fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
They’re a delight to make and even better to eat!
The crisp exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy interior that’s absolutely heavenly.
While they are definitely an indulgence, they bring so much joy to any occasion.
I especially love making them for special gatherings, as their sweetness is a hit with everyone.
20. Gemista
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the fruits of your labor, especially when they’re as delicious as gemista.
Gemista is a Greek dish made of tomatoes and peppers that have been stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and ground meat.
After baking in the oven until the vegetables are tender, gemista is packed with flavor and nutrients.
The vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants, while the filling adds protein and fiber.
21. Fasolada
Fasolada is a classic Greek bean soup, made with white beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and plenty of olive oil.
It’s a hearty and nutritious dish, high in protein and fiber.
The slow-cooked beans become tender and flavorful, soaking up the rich tomato broth.
22. Revithada
Revithada is a slow-cooked chickpea stew, often flavored with olive oil, onions, and lemon.
The chickpeas become tender and creamy, absorbing the flavors of the aromatic broth.
I love making revithada on weekends, its simplicity and flavor a comforting end to the week.
23. Skordalia
Skordalia is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, sauce, or spread.
It is made with potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, and has a creamy texture and a bold flavor.
The garlic in skordalia provides many health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
I like to serve it with grilled fish or vegetables, but it would also be good with bread or pita chips.
24. Psarosoupa
If you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying dish for dinner, look no further than psarosoupa.
This traditional Greek fish soup is made with fresh fish, veggies, and a lemony broth.
The fish is cooked until tender and gives the soup a delicious, delicate flavor.
It’s a nutritious dish, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
25. Spanakorizo
Spanakorizo is a traditional Greek dish that is made with rice and spinach that’s been cooked with onions, dill, and lemon juice.
The spinach provides plenty of iron and vitamins, and the rice absorbs the aromatic flavors, becoming tender and delicious.
26. Kalamarakia Tiganita
When I want to impress my guests at summer gatherings, I make kalamarakia tiganita, which is crispy fried calamari.
I lightly batter the calamari rings and fry them until they are golden brown.
The crispy texture and tangy flavor of the dish is sure to impress.
The calamari is a good source of protein and low in fat.
I usually serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tzatziki sauce.
27. Bougatsa
Bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry, is my go-to for breakfast.
It’s made with layers of crispy phyllo dough filled with semolina custard, cheese, or minced meat, and baked until golden.
The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly and the pastry is always so fresh and delicious.
28. Arni me Patates
If you’re in the mood for a hearty and traditional Greek meal, arni me patates is the way to go.
It’s a classic roast lamb with potatoes, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and oregano.
The lamb is roasted until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, and the potatoes soak up all the flavorful juices.
It’s a complete meal in one dish, and a great way to get your protein and iron for the day.
29. Koulourakia
Koulourakia are traditional Greek cookies that are typically baked for holidays and special occasions.
They are made with butter, flour, and sugar, and they are often shaped into twists or rings and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
These cookies are buttery and slightly sweet, and they go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
The process of shaping the dough into its unique forms is a cherished tradition, and it always fills me with holiday cheer.
30. Gyro
This traditional street food features juicy meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
It is then served in pita bread with fresh tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
The meat is marinated in herbs and spices, which infuses it with flavor, and the vegetables add a crisp, refreshing contrast.
31. Taramasalata
Taramasalata is a creamy dip made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs.
It’s smooth and tangy, perfect as a spread or dip for bread and vegetables.
I enjoy serving taramasalata at parties, its unique flavor always a conversation starter.
32. Keftedes
If you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, Greek meatballs—also known as keftedes—are a great option.
They’re made with ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and herbs, and they’re pan-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
33. Horta
Horta are wild greens, such as dandelion or chicory, boiled and served with olive oil and lemon.
They’re a simple yet nutritious dish, high in vitamins and antioxidants.
The greens have a slightly bitter taste that is balanced by the acidity of the lemon.
34. Loukaniko
My favorite Greek sausage is loukaniko.
It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for grilling.
I love making it for summer barbecues because my guests always rave about it.
It’s made with a blend of pork and beef that’s seasoned with orange peel, fennel, and a variety of spices.
That unique combination of flavors really comes through when you grill it, creating a delicious and juicy sausage.
35. Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes plaki are large white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs.
The beans are tender and flavorful, soaking up the aromatic sauce.
This dish is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
36. Retsina
Retsina is a traditional Greek wine flavored with pine resin, giving it a unique and distinctive taste.
While not a dish, it’s a staple in Greek cuisine, often enjoyed with meals.
Retsina has been consumed for centuries, its flavor a reflection of Greek history and tradition.
37. Halva
Halva is a sweet confection made from sesame paste (tahini) and honey or sugar.
It’s dense and slightly crumbly, with a rich, nutty flavor.
Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats and protein, making halva a somewhat nutritious treat.
38. Kataifi
Kataifi is a traditional Greek dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, filled with nuts, and soaked in syrup.
The phyllo dough becomes crispy and golden, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet and nutty filling.
Not only is this dessert absolutely delicious, but it’s also a good source of healthy fats and protein from the nuts
39. Moussaka with Potatoes
While similar to the traditional moussaka, this variation includes layers of potatoes along with the eggplant and meat sauce.
The potatoes add a creamy texture and additional nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
40. Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a traditional Greek dessert made with a rich custard filling and crisp layers of phyllo dough.
The creamy custard is made with semolina, milk, and eggs, and the pastry is soaked in a citrusy syrup.
The combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert absolutely delightful.
It’s also packed with protein and calcium, so you can indulge without the guilt.
